They were right, of course. While I don't see it as an either/or question—we can remove trash from rivers AND work to eradicate it at source—we do need to focus much more of our energy upstream. Until recently, however, that felt very much like an uphill battle. As we've noted already, however, the tide does seem to be shifting on this issue. And it's encouraging to see the momentum on ending plastic waste continuing, with the UK making a particularly concerted effort.

Among the latest announcements from my homeland that are worthy of note: